Titans look to cement top-two spot against out-of-sorts Super Kings
Mumbai, India - Super Kings and their opponents on Sunday, Gujarat Titans, are on the two extreme ends of the points table. While Super Kings, the defending champions, are placed ninth, Titans, being on top, are the only team to get into the playoffs so far.
A victory at the Wankhede Stadium on Sunday will assure Titans a top-two finish, while Super Kings might want to test their bench strength.
To be fair to them, Super Kings have had a few positives. Ruturaj Gaikwad and Devon Conway have enjoyed success at the top in recent times, and rookie pacers Mukesh Choudhary and Simarjeet Singh have been promising, especially in the powerplay. Maheesh Theekshana, in his debut season, has 12 wickets so far, the most by a fingerspinner this IPL. And Shivam Dube, despite blowing hot and cold, has made a difference with his power-hitting.
However, there are big questions. MS Dhoni, who took back the captaincy after Ravindra Jadeja stepped down, has said he will remain with the team in “some capacity” next season, but that may or may not be as a player. Dwayne Bravo, at 38, isn’t getting any younger. Where does Ambati Rayudu, who tweeted on the eve of the match - before deleting it - that this would be his last IPL, stand? Not to forget, Super Kings will also have to find an able leader next season if Dhoni decides to step aside (again).
Testing the bench could be an option for Titans, too, after they bounced back against Lucknow Super Giants following two
Kolkata Knight Riders 177 for 6 in 20 overs (Sam Billings 34 (29)3x4, 1x6, Andre Russell 49 (28)3x4, 4x6; Umran Malik 3 for 33) beat Sunrisers Hyderabad 123 for 8 in 20 overs (Abhishek Sharma 43 (28) 4x4, 2x6, Aiden Markram 32 (25) 3x6; Andre Russell 3 for 22) by 54 runs losses in a row. While they have a well-rounded bowling attack, Titans brought back Matthew Wade, who had failed at the top of the order earlier, to address their No. 3 issue and he lasted only seven balls in the previous match. Their captain Hardik Pandya’s form - or the lack of it - has not had a major impact on the team with David Miller, Rahul Tewatia and Rashid Khan doing the finishing act. However, going into the crucial stage of the tournament, they would want Hardik to get into the groove. At least with the bat.
Lockie Ferguson missed the last match and Hardik said the move was “tactical, considering the ground dynamics”. The New Zealand quick might come in place of Alzarri Joseph or Mohammed Shami, if Titans decide to rest him for a match or two.
David Miller, Rahul Tewatia and Rashid Khan doing the finishing act.